Tag Archives: Advent

O

O 1

Today, 17th December marks a shift in our season of Advent. No longer do we look towards Christ’s coming at the end of time, but at his coming in the flesh – his birth at Bethlehem.

For those who pray Vespers – the night prayers of the Church – the antiphon mentions many of the titles of Christ, the so-called “O” antiphons. Each antiphon, from now until Christmas Eve, starts with a title of Christ.

They are: O wisdom, O Adonai, O stock of Jesse, O key of David, O rising star, O king of nations and O Immanuel.

Interestingly, if we take the first letter of these titles, when written in Latin, they form a countdown…the letters spelt out backwards from Christmas eve spell out the words “ero cras” which means “I will exist/come tomorrow.”

The Latin tiles are O Sapientia, O Adonai, O Radix Jesse, O Clavis David, O Oriens, O Rex gentium and O Emmanuel.

The full antiphons are given here.

O 2

Gaudete Sunday – Rejoice!

Pink advent candle

Today is Gaudete Sunday. Here’s a twist on the ancient hymn of today with, the translation given below! Enjoy!

Latin English
Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus
Ex Maria virgine, gaudete!		 Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born
(Out) Of the Virgin Mary – rejoice!
Tempus adest gratiæ
Hoc quod optabamus,
Carmina lætitiæ
Devote reddamus.		 The time of grace has come—
what we have wished for,
songs of joy
Let us give back faithfully.
Deus homo factus est
Natura mirante,
Mundus renovatus est
A Christo regnante.		 God has become man,
(With) nature marveling,
The world has been renewed
By Christ (who is) reigning.
Ezechielis porta
Clausa pertransitur,
Unde lux est orta
Salus invenitur.		 The closed gate of Ezekiel
Is passed through,
Whence the light is raised,
Salvation is found.
Ergo nostra contio
Psallat iam in lustro;
Benedicat Domino:
Salus Regi nostro.		 Therefore let our gathering
Now sing in brightness
Let it give praise to the Lord:
Greeting to our King.

The Prince on ISIS

Bishop and Prince

The Prince of Wales has told Iraqi Christians that they “are quite literally following in the footsteps of the Holy Family” at a Mass organised by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). For the whole story, click here. Prince Charles said:

“At this most agonising of times we have to struggle not to forget that Our Lord called upon us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute. But by being with you this Christmas time I wanted to assure you of my constant thoughts and sympathy. As you know, the story of the Nativity ends with the Holy Family fleeing for refuge from persecution. You and your families are quite literally following in the footsteps of the Holy Family” HRH the Prince of Wales.

(Image, ℅ PA. Prince Charles with ArchBp Habib of Basra).

To listen to the Prince’s actual words, watch this video clip from the Royal Channel

The Royal Channel

Advent Youth Retreat

advent-candles11

Our Advent Youth Retreat takes place from Friday 19th December to Sunday 21st December.

If you are at Secondary School age to University Graduation come and join us in the hall for our Advent retreat. Sign up in the Church porch and bring a sleeping bag! There will be talks, Q&A sessions, games, prayer, reflections and prayer time.